If you are climbing full-time for over a year, there is no reason that you should not be a consistent 5.13 sport and trad climber, at the bare minimum. Really, I have climbed full-time for up to four months at a time (which is not a big deal for a lot of dirtbags, but still), and got quite strong for me.

I've said it before on this site, but I think it is incredible when someone can climb at or near the pro-level while maintaining a career, and a life outside climbing, basically being a very committed weekend warrior with occasional climbing vacations. Perhaps even more impressive than the feats of pros.

I'm in the final processes of finishing an academically-oriented PhD (no job in sight, but that's another story), and have not climbed outside since December. Right now I am really trying to justify going outside for a day and a half. It's hard.

So, a shout out to those who climb at high levels, while at the same time being basically avocational climbers, or dare I say it, HOBBYISTS, who balance out careers and climbing.

Curt Shannon, who, despite being one of this site's resident assholes, pulls down incredibly hard, all while generously treating itinerant dirtbags to fine food and drink wherever he goes.

This ^ is incredibly true. I roll into town and before I know it I'm in a "guest room" bigger then my room at home, with a belly full of delicious food and fine whisky, wondering HTF he held onto those sloping crimpers on that one buldge.